10 Easy Actions that Will Save Money as Well as Energy

Click the Signs to Find Out How Much!

Change two household bulbs to compact fluorescent lights (which can be recycled at Whole Foods, Home Depot, and some True Value stores); CFLs use up to 75 percent less energy and last ten times longer

On the highway, drive at least 5 miles under the posted speed limit; choosing 55 mph instead of 75 reduces the amount of gas you use by about 25 percent

Recycle your wire hangers at Prime Cleaners (651 VFW Parkway) and take $.05 off your laundry bill for each hanger returned; use Prime’s “We Care” bag and take another $.25 off your bill

When not in use, unplug any cords connected to electronics or that have power “bricks” (a box on the cord); these items consume energy the entire time they are plugged in

Buy a digital tire gauge in order to keep your car tires inflated to manufacturer’s recommended level of pressure; underinflated tires increase the resistance on the road, which uses more gas

Wash laundry in cold water; 90 percent of the energy used for your clothes washer goes toward heating the water

Adjust your thermostat by 2 degrees higher in the warm weather (if you have air conditioning) and 2 degrees cooler in the winter; you’ll save 6 percent on your monthly heating bill

Use public transportation or carpool at least once a week to get to work; save on gas and save on parking

Take your own bags (any kind—plastic, paper, or recycle tote bags) to Roche Bros. to pack your purchases, and you will be refunded $.05 on your order for each one used

Use your dishwasher instead of hand washing dirty dishes and save energy and money on both heating and water costs; the dishwasher uses 50 percent less energy to heat the water and 75 percent less water than washing by hand